MOS 0161

• MOS 0161 Designation: The MOS 0161 is the Military Occupational Specialty code for "Postal Clerk" in the United States Marine Corps. • Key Responsibilities: Marines with the 0161 MOS are responsible for processing, sorting, and distributing mail for deployed and stateside units, ensuring vital communication between service members and their families. • World War II Origins: The importance of postal clerks became especially evident during World War II, when the volume of mail increased exponentially and mail delivery was critical for morale. • Combat Zone Delivery: Postal Clerks have often operated in combat zones, braving dangerous conditions to ensure the timely delivery of mail to front-line troops. • The "Mail Call" Tradition: "Mail call" has been a cherished daily event in military life, and 0161 Marines are at the center of this tradition, bringing news from home to the battlefield. • Secure Communications: Postal Clerks are trained to handle sensitive and official correspondence, often dealing with classified or confidential material. • Global Network: The Marine Corps Postal System operated by 0161s connects with the military’s global mail system, supporting operations from Okinawa to Afghanistan. • Humanitarian Impact: In addition to mail, 0161s have helped coordinate the delivery of aid packages and morale-boosting items during disaster and humanitarian missions. • Technological Adaptations: As technology advanced, 0161s adapted to new mail-tracking systems and digital logistics platforms to improve speed and accuracy. • MOS Phaseout: Due to military restructuring and technological advancements, the 0161 MOS was officially discontinued in 2017, with its functions merged into other administrative specialties.